Preparing for the 150th Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes…
With the Belmont Stakes coming to Saratoga in June, and the Kentucky Derby this Saturday— now, it’s all about finding perfect hat to top your stylish wardrobe. And, we have, at Hatsational, located on Broadway in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. They have over one hundred thousand hats, and they also create “one of a kind” hats… I think we’re ready for racing season!
Hatsationals’ Haberdashery Storefront on Broadway…
Inside Hatsationals’ Haberdashery… Love the Mirror!
A Few Hats…
Lots of Hats…
Men’s Hats… I probably shouldn’t say this, but without looking… in the movie Caddyshack, there’s a remarkable resemblance to the hat that Ted Knight tried on in the Bushwood Country Club Pro Shop? I just looked… it’s not. However, that was my first thought—this one is much nicer!
That’s Joyce—she’s the owner, and she’s not only quite interesting, but she’s also lots of fun!
Kay had to try on at least one hat…
I hope that you enjoyed our little “fashion show” and our tour of Hatsationals’ Haberdashery. We found a number of exquisite “derby hats” for both women and men—be one of the best dressed with any one of the many choices in Joyce’s shop! We’re always doing something interesting at Pond Mountain Inn!
Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Bar… And, That’s Tatiana (Top Right), Preparing Our Table!
From the New York State Farm Bounty Menu Section—The Benelux House Salad…
Another Sophisticated European Signature Entrée…
Brasserie Benelux Dinner for Nine…We All Look Pretty Good!
Viennese Apple Strudel—There is no better, perhaps somewhere Austria…
Brasserie Benelux, is conveniently located on Broadway in the heart of historic downtown Saratoga. Chef Armand Vanderstigchel, has a unique menu—blending traditional European-influenced cuisine with a contemporary flair brings perfection to each dish. Chef Armand’s precise and elegant selections promise a truly remarkable dining experience. Every dish served has been well thought out—a sophisticated European signature with subtle local twists, but certainly his flavor composition spans the globe.
On this night, there were nine of us—we had over twenty different dishes—from sharable plates to soups, entrées and premium sides, we had it all, and it was all exquisite! Our recommendation is to start with the French Onion Soup Gratinée, then ask the chef why this is the best you’ve ever had. And, from the New York State Farm Bounty section, the Benelux House Salad was fresh and crisp, the best “house salad” I’ve ever had—ask for the buttermilk blue cheese dressing—unbelievable. I almost forgot to mention the Belgian Mussel Pot—no need to travel to Belgium for these mussels! Rounding out the evening; the Viennese Veal Wiener Schnitzel, Pappardelle Wild Mushroom, and Leek Confit Crusted Faroe Salmon were clearly standouts, but each entrée deserves thoughtful consideration.
Save room for dessert, wife, Tatiana prepared an extraordinary traditional Viennese Apple Strudel—we were all awestruck after the first bite. There is no better, perhaps somewhere Austria. You can also expect a cozy atmosphere, well-appointed interior, a nicely accented wine list and attentive, friendly service with the chef making regular appearances throughout the evening—make sure to ask for Jackie, she and Tatiana made our evening not just special, but extraordinary.
This future Michelin-star restaurant could easily be found in Paris, London or Barcelona—thankfully, Brasserie Benelux is here in Saratoga.
See Our Pond Mountain Inn Saratoga Springs, New York Day Trip Itinerary:
Off the beaten path… this neighborhood award-winning boutique restaurant offers authentic Italian specialties and arguably the Best Pizza in Saratoga! We had a delicious inexpensive bottle of white Sangiovese with outstanding house meatballs and two pizzas – the Americano & Vegetarian. We’re going back for the Saltimbocca!
If you ask someone who’s spent a lifetime in the northeast they’ll tell you one of the top ten places to visit in the summertime is Saratoga Springs, or simply – Saratoga. Best known for the “mineral springs” and Baths, the water offered remedies for both internal and external illnesses as far back as the late 1700s – however, this was only of tertiary interest. We were there for the races! After a late start last Saturday – Jim and Karen picked us up from Pond Mountain Inn and we arrived shortly before noon, well ahead of the first race. Great seats out of the sun offered some great racing perspective. Properly known as Saratoga Race Course, “the track” is stunningly beautiful, a through-back to an earlier time was comfortably filled with polite and gracious people all out for a nice day at the races.
Not terribly late in the day we took our modest winnings and headed to The Wine Bar (417 Broadway), has an extensive list of wines from around the world, and a selection of 50 wines by the glass. A modern setting one level above the street, we could still easily see each passerby. We wouldn’t have seen Hemingway there or Fellini, but the four of us enjoyed the happy hour wine special, a five-dollar-a-glass Malbec. The Wine Bar was a delightful respite – architecturally neat, interesting and encouraged conversation.
Dinner was a short walk to Ravenous – a small side-street creperie with delicious and creative crepes. The appetizer fries, or pommes frites are a Ravenous specialty. In keeping with the European tradition, their Belgian-style French fries are twice cooked twice for twice the flavor and had a variety of dipping sauces. The night’s special was a short rib crepe that was out of this world!
Heading back to Main Street after dinner, Saratoga was bustling – all the shops open and the Lyrical Ballad Bookstore is a must see. I picked up a vintage 7up bottle and a large Bachman Pretzel tin that must date back to the early 60s. So many interesting shops! We plan to return this fall to this alluring upstate village!
Pond Mountain Inn 